Thursday, August 22, 2013

Honey is life – Natural Handcrafted Soap Company

The Kattunayakan are tribal people who live deep in the forests of the Nilgiris Biosphere
Reserve in South India. They collect and sell wild honey. Today,
settlers from the crowded plains and eviction from the forest reserve
threaten both their land and their traditions. Mari Marcel Thekaekara accompanied a group of Kattunayakan on one of their for rays into the jungle. -

Honey is a sweet treat for skin

Honey is also a humectant, so it helps retain moisture on the skin in much the same way as glycerin.
Cleopatra is said to have ruled Egypt with an iron fist. Apparently,
it was also a smooth fist, since she was one of the more famous people
in history to use honey for its skin-enhancing properties. In fact,
Cleopatra’s legendary milk and honey baths are just one of many
historical examples of people using honey to pamper their complexions.
While Cleopatra didn’t know why honey softened her skin, new research
suggests the queen of the Nile was definitely onto something.

Manufacturers have used honey in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths.

One reason they use honey is for its wholesome,
all-natural image; more and more consumers are demanding cosmetics and
personal care products made from natural ingredients. In the case of
honey, however, image is just the beginning.

First, honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture.

This makes honey a natural fit in a variety of
moisturizing products including cleaners, creams, shampoos and
conditioners. Honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it suitable
for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Honey’s prospects in skincare are looking even sweeter;
research is currently underway to develop a process using honey to
create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in
many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin.
Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, can give skin a
younger, more vibrant look.